While the roles of a registered nurse and caregiver may seem identical, they are not. A caregiver is a professional who takes care of the elderly and others. Although they receiving some training, they are not certified. A registered nurse, on the other hand, has extensive medical training and has been certified so they are able to provide a higher level of care to the elderly.

3 Main Differences Between Registered Nurses and Caregivers

Important Differentiations Between the Two

Visiting https://www.pegasussenorliving.com reveals not all elderly care providers are the same. While a registered nurse aide is required to have a high school diploma or GED and complete 75-100 hours of training, a caregiver may not be required to undergo any training except for CPR and basic first aid skills.

Three Main Differences in Registered Nurses and Caregivers

When exploring the differences between registered nurse aides and caregivers, there are three main differences that stand out from the rest.

One of the key differences between these two types of professionals is their job duties. A caregiver does not perform any medical duties for their elderly patients. They work with patients who need limited care. They provide assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and running errands.

A certified nurse assistant is able to provide some medical care. They measure the vitals of their patient, monitor their medications, provide wound care, and can also assist with end of life care when it is needed. They are able to perform medical services a caregiver simply is not allowed to carry out.

Training is a substantial difference between registered nurse aides and caregivers. While a caregiver may not be subject to any training requirements in some states, there are some that require a minimum of 40 hours of training. This training involves proper CPR and first aid skills. They may also learn safety protocols to protect their clients while bathing, eating, or walking.

On the other hand, registered nurses must go through extensive training so they will be able to provide expert medical care to their patients. Not only are they required to go through initial training and certification, but they must also recertify their license every two years. If the CNA has not worked enough hours, they will not be able to recertify.

Another difference between these two types of careers is the work opportunity. Registered nursing assistants can work in patient’s homes, in senior nursing facilities, hospitals, and doctor’s offices. There are many work opportunities and CNAs are sought in a variety of different medical facilities.

Caregivers are limited in work opportunities because they do not have the training to work in medical facilities. Most of these professionals work in their clients’ homes, providing them with the non-medical care they require.

Conclusion

While both of these are honorable career choices, certified nurses’ assistants must have a higher level of devotion to go through all of the extensive training that is needed for certification. Choosing a career as a CNA opens up more doors in the way of employment opportunities and allows individuals to be able to provide the medical care their patients need.

Whether you are seeking one of these careers or need their care, understanding the key differences in their training and job duties is vital for making a decision.

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